In this episode I check in with all of you, share updates and discuss the importance of leaders giving themself grace.

In this episode I chat with Connor Kem, principal of Lake Mills Elementary School, located in Lake Mills, Iowa. Connor is a relationship driven, high energy, and goal focused principal who understands the importance of high expectations for his students, staff and himself. Connor discusses the importance of SEL for staff and shares ideas for how to build resiliency, including Full Value Contracts and High Five Fridays.

In this episode I chat with Dr. Kristal Pollard Epting principal of Flowood Elementary School located in Flowood Mississippi.  Kristal is a transformational leader & change agent and is fiercely committed to “Move In Excellence.”  She reminds us about the importance of inspecting what we expect and discusses ways to engage all stakeholders in understanding the common language of excellence.

In this episode I chat with Dr. Jenni Hayes, proud principal of Grandview Elementary School located in Higginsville, Missouri. Jenni’s passion for leading and learning are contagious as she shares so many amazing strategies and resources for effective and impactful leadership.  Jenni discusses the importance of knowing yourself as a leader and implications for what to do with that knowledge. Jenni also reminds us that the best ideas are the stolen ones and shares lots of ways to connect with...

In this episode I chat with Shena Ivory Brown or “Principal IB” as her students of  Harper Park Middle School located in Leesburg, Virginia call her.  We discuss the importance of being an active, present listener and the impact it has on coaching conversations. Shena also shares time management tips and provides ideas for ways leaders can “share their sunshine.”

In this episode I chat with Dr. Tyler Cook, principal of Klein Elementary located in Erie, Pennsylvania who shares valuable insights about creating and maintaining a school culture that protects relationships and is grounded in core values.  Tyler reminds us that our response is always our responsibility and provides insight about how to make decisions about what is right versus what is easy.

In this episode I chat with Dr. Dennis Williams Jr, principal of Hatboro-Horsham High School located in Horsham, PA.  We talk about the importance of access and opportunity and steps leaders can take to ensure they aren’t unintentionally asking students to leave their culture at the door. Dennis also shares strategies and resources for advancing equity and measuring impact.

In this episode I chat with Mike Astudillo, principal of Columbia Elementary located in Annadale, Va who shares his journey of how he became the principal of the school he attended as an elementary student.  Mike discusses ways he showcases his school so that the entire community understands their mission of being a “small school with a big heart.”  Mike also discusses the importance of seeing the greatness in every student and shares lots of great take-aways for helping all students succeed...

In this episode I chat with Jenny Cunneen, Principal of  Forestdale Elementary School located in Springfield, VA who shares so many amazing take-aways that help support a school culture of We See You, We Welcome You, You Belong Here.  Jenny shares strategies for building capacity with staff in order to move from intention to impact and so much more.  You will not want to miss this conversation.

In this episode I chat with Jay Billy, Principal of  Ben Franklin Elementary School located in Lawrenceville who discusses the role trust and transparency play in an effective school culture. Jay also shares highlights from his book, Lead with Culture: What Really Matters in our Schools and provides tips for staying passionate as a school leader, even in the most demanding times.

In this episode I chat with Ryan Smith, Principal of Dieck Elementary located in Swartz Creek, Michigan who prides himself on being a Restorative Minded & Trauma Informed Leader. Ryan shares his journey as a new principal and important moves all new administrators must take to be successful. Ryan also shares insight about ways to engage in continuous growth as a leader including ideas he gained from The Cultures of Thinking.

In this episode I reflect upon some of the greatest leadership takeaways I have gotten from my guests in season 7 and set intentions for a new year full of gratitude and abundance. Which of the take-aways will you implement in the new year?

In this episode I chat with Dr. Ryan Eckart, Principal of Walton Elementary School in Cedar Lake, Indiana who talks about the importance of being visible and present with students and staff and shares strategies for establishing priorities so that you can be in classrooms every day. Ryan also discusses the impact that occurs when you empower students and shares strategies for planting seeds that can have a life changing impact.

In this episode I chat with Danielle Randle, Principal of Semple Elementary, located in Louisville, Kentucky. We talk about the importance of identifying your gaps as a leader and the growth that comes from being vulnerable enough to ask for and receive open and honest feedback from your staff without getting defensive about what they have to say. Danielle also reflects on the multiple roles we play as school leaders and the heaviness that comes with trying to be everything to everybody.

In this episode I chat with Jameelah Henderson, Assistant Principal of Kenwood Elementary and author of It’s Working for Your Good.  Jameelah talks about the importance of showing up unapologetically as her true self and the impact it has for students.  We talk about the role representation plays in leadership and tips for having crucial conversations.  You will not want to miss it.

In this episode I chat with Verle Gilbert, principal of Hahn Intermediate School and 2018 MEMSPA Principal of the Year. Verle shares his insights about WIN time and collective teacher efficacy to maximize impact on student achievement. Verle also discusses how to manage the requests of others in a way that builds capacity and empowers without consuming all of your time as a leader.  Verle also discusses the impact Breakthrough Coaching has had on his leadership.

In this episode I chat with Haines City High School Principal Adam Lane who is also Florida’s NASSP Principal of the Year and President of the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals.  Adam shares so many golden nuggets of wisdom about how to create a school culture that establishes clear expectations, provides support, and holds staff accountable to be the best they can be.  Adam also talks about the importance of honoring differences and the empowerment that comes when your staff...

In this episode I chat with National Distinguished Principal of Urbana Elementary School, Tracy Hilliard, who shares her wisdom for creating and empowering teacher leaders. Tracy talks about the importance of leaders focusing on “grow you” not “got you” when conducting instructional walkthroughs and shares strategies for helping teachers find their voice.

In this episode I chat with Krissy Jennette, the National Distinguished Principal of Blades Elementary located in Seaford, Delaware. Krissy shares her secrets for creating a culture of inclusion that turned around her school from low performing to becoming an ESEA National Distinguished School.

As leaders we must place as much value on adult learning as we do student learning. In this episode I chat with Vicki Wilson, principal of Monroe Elementary School located in Wyandotte, Michigan and author of Lead with Instructional Rounds. Vicki shares insights about the importance of change leadership and discusses highlights from her book to help leaders get started with and/or refine instructional rounds in their building. Vicki also shares insights she gained by overcoming intense...

In this episode I chat with Liz Garden, MSAA (Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association) President and principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary located in Mendon, Massachusetts, as she discusses the importance of transparent leadership.  Liz also discusses the critical element of human connection as a leader and shares strategies for making teachers feel seen and heard.

In this episode I talk with California State Principal of the Year and turnaround leader, Dr. Shana Henry as she discusses ways to engage in change work that makes the status quo uncomfortable for those who like to stay there. Her words of wisdom will help you understand why it is essential that you become the chief storyteller of your school and reclaim the opportunity to change the narrative.

In this episode I chat with Joe Reimann, principal of Moraine Elementary, a Leader in Me Lighthouse School located in Northville, Michigan as he shares so many golden nuggets of wisdom about how to approach leadership decisions through the lens of abundance versus scarcity. Joe also shares strategies for leading in a way that increases sense of belonging and brings out the greatness in all of your staff.

In this episode I chat with Zac Bauermaster, principal of Kissel Hill Elementary and author of Leading With a Humble Heart as he shares strategies for creating a culture of healthy people through servant leadership.  Zac discusses ways to control the uncontrollable, operate patiently, and establish boundaries for ourselves so that our family can get the best of us instead of what’s left of us.